a mutli-crore scam in the implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (nrega) recently came to light in Chhattisgarh's Naxal-affected Kanker district. The state government has suspended K P
Dewangan, chief executive officer (ceo) of Kanker Janpad panchayat on August 4 and transferred Kanker district
collector G S Dhananjay, both allegedly involved in the scam. The matter is being investigated by P C Mishra, state commissioner of nrega.
Primary investigation revealed that agricultural instruments, fertilisers and pesticides worth Rs 6 crore were purchased and distributed among
labourers under nrega. It was found that the pesticides were purchased at a price 10-times higher than the actual
price. The purchases used up 60 per cent of the funds meant for wages of labourers.Pesticides and agro-instruments purchased in the guise of
'levelling of land' work have not been distributed in the state's interior Naxal-affected regions. It has also been alleged that stationery in excessive
quantity has been purchased for a few panchayat members.
Several organisations had complained about the irregularities. "We have been protesting for long. We complained to the collector four months ago,
but nothing was done. I suppose the collector is also involved in the case," said Sanjay Parate, coordinator of the Kisan Sabha and a cpi (m) leader of Bastar district.
After widespread protests, the state ordered an investigation. After suspension of the ceo, the cashier of the district
panchayat Neeraj Mishra lodged an fir against the ceo. "The officers were so eager
to release the wage fund to pesticide suppliers that they issued cheques without intimating me and without my signatures," said Mishra.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.